WP: Brain-Dead Va. Woman Gives Birth

[Pirate Smile]

Brain-Dead Va. Woman Gives Birth
Baby Appears Healthy After 3-Month Ordeal

By Stephanie McCrummen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2005; Page A01

A cancer-stricken woman declared brain-dead three months ago gave birth yesterday to a baby girl at an Arlington hospital.

Susan Torres of Arlington was about 15 weeks pregnant when she was felled by a brain tumor in May, but she was hooked up to a ventilator and other machines in the slim hope that her baby might survive.


Susan Torres's cancer spread from her brain to her other vital organs. (AP)

She had hoped for a girl, and at 8:18 a.m. yesterday Susan Anne Catherine Torres was delivered by Caesarean section at Virginia Hospital Center. The newborn weighed 1 pound, 13 ounces and was 13.5 inches long. There were no complications during delivery, and the baby appears healthy, said her uncle, Justin Torres. The hospital confirmed the birth and said the baby is being monitored in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Meanwhile, Susan Torres's husband, Jason, who has slept by his wife's side for three months, who has decorated her room with pictures, held her hand and even talked to her at times, faced the moment he knew would come.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/02/AR2005080201724.html

[Erika]

1. That was her wish to give birth

Now her husband will allow her to die.

[Pirate Smile]

2. Yes, it such sad yet touchingly sweet story at the same time.

I don't have any doubt that the husband did exactly what she would have wanted him to do.

[melnjones]

3. wow....nt